Canal Boating

What could be more relaxing than lazily floating downstream on a canal boat and watching the scenery roll by? This is the perfect chance to really get to see an area without the stress of driving or negotiating public transport (unless you so wish), and take in a new perspective on the landscape.

Staying on a barge is a unique experience and the chance to immerse yourself in a different way of life and canal boats have a real character that can't be imitated. Never travelling at speed, the most action comes when you get the chance to navigate a lock, and you can moor at a huge range of locations from rural seclusion to busy city centres across the wonderful landscapes of the UK, Europe and beyond.

We list some of the best - and greenest - barge holiday opportunities below. For more information on barges and canal boating (particularly in the UK), check out Canal Boat magazine online.